Martin, thank you for linking this to Iain's thread concerning the configuration of the crescent moon (dukari's) ...I cannot believe nobody ever commented on these, and especially that I somehow missed it!!! My apologies, I really hate it when that happens.
What is remarkable here is the takouba which has the large dirk type knife en suite in the scabbard, the first time I have seen this kind of rig on these weapons. I know that in the Nilotic Sudan near Dongola, as discussed on another thread, a short sword/large knife is worn by native men through a 'girdle' (probably a sash of some kind) while the kaskara is worn over the left shoulder.
I wonder if this knife is intended as a utilitarian item, or dirk type weapon as in Sudan.
These are truly beautiful examples with handsome leather and brasswork and look fantastic with the textiles in display!
Thank you so much for sharing them.
All best regards,
Jim
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